On Sunday, May 29, 2011, Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY, held its sixty-third annual commencement. The day began with the Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Cathedral, served by His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, accompanied by His Grace, Bishop Peter of Cleveland (both alumni), and a multitude of priests and deacons. Following lunch in the refectory, faculty, students, and guests processed to the church for the celebration of a Thanksgiving Service (Moleben). Following the service, all the assembled went in procession from the church to the seminary auditorium.

Following a prayer and the singing of the national anthems, Archimandrite Luke, Rector of Holy Trinity Seminary, officially opened the ceremonies. He congratulated the graduands, reminding them of the words of the Apostle Paul: Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2).

His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, then addressed the graduands, encouraging them to apply worthily the knowledge they received in Seminary in their future pastoral work. His Eminence concluded by citing the words of the Apostle Peter: As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10).

Archpriest George Dragas, a renowned theologian and patrologist who is on the faculty of both Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and Holy Trinity Seminary, delivered the commencement address. Fr. George began by remarking that, speaking from the perspective of a visitor – and as one who has travelled throughout the Orthodox world – he is convinced that Jordanville is a place of holiness, an inner sanctum of Holy Orthodoxy. The theme of Fr. George’s address was the royal priesthood, defining the priest as one who makes spiritual offerings, sacrificing things of the body for the things of the soul. The priesthood, Fr. George stated, is the spiritual sacrifice of body, soul, and skills for the glory of God and the service of His people.     

The degree of Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) was then awarded to the following: Maksim Abroskin, Dmitrii Bolbot, Nicholas Lochmatow, Miodrag Radovanovich, Ephraim Willmarth, Alejandro Sandoval, and Jovan Marjanac. The Certificate in Theological Studies was awarded to Deacon Nathan Mouselli and Deacon Ilia Grozdanov.

Awards for academic excellence were granted to: John Martin (first year), Roman Kuhnen (second year), Sergei Grushchin (third year), and Sergei Tuygin (fourth year). Awards for diligence were granted to: Jason Laiblin (first year), Igor Grytsyna and Rassaphore-monk Dionysy (Nikoloski) (third year), and Dimitri Anopochkin (fourth year). Scholarships generously provided by Michael Andreev of the Jordanville Monument Company were awarded to John Martin (first year) and Sergei Tuygin (fourth year).

Words of gratitude on behalf of the graduating class were then offered by Maksim Abroskin (in Russian) and Ephraim Willmarth (in English).

Following a closing prayer, the Rector closed the commencement exercises.